Whether it is cold and flu season, or you just want to be healthier, boosting the body’s immune system is the best thing you can do. For acute symptoms, you may want to use over counter flu meds for kids, but strengthening your body’s ability to fight off viruses and germs will help speed up recovery and prevent more serious issues.
There are many ways to improve the immune system, and herbs are one of them. They have been used for centuries in some countries to ward off a wide variety of ailments, and they have tremendous healing abilities. The next time you feel under the weather, supplement with one or more of the following herbs.
Chinese skullcap
Chinese skullcap has been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for years. It helps fight against inflammation and has strong antimicrobial effects. It can be used to treat and prevent a number of diseases.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a well-known herb that is used to boost the immune system during flu and cold season. Studies show that its immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties may be able to lower cold risk by 50% and reduce complications of certain respiratory infections.
Andrographis
Andrographis is a plant native to India and has great abilities to boost the immune system. It is especially beneficial for viral illnesses such as the cold. It helps ease symptoms such as sore throat, headache, fatigue, cough and nasal secretions.
Japanese Knotweed
Your gut and your immune system are finely entwined, and Japanese knotweed help with immunity by inhibiting bad bacteria proliferation and increasing good bacteria in the gut. This herb also contains resveratrol, which has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Mushrooms
There are many types of mushrooms, and they have a wide variety of uses. Although popular in cooking, they have also been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. The main component in fungi that support immune properties are the beta glucans, as they activate immune cells. Grocery store mushrooms that have the greatest immune advantages include shiitake, oyster, maitake, turkey tail and lion’s mane.
Reishi mushrooms are found in supplement form and increase the production of cytokines and increase immune cell activity. Cardyceps is a mushroom supplement that enhances cellular immunity, increases macrophage activity and stimulates natural killer cells.
Along with immune benefits, mushrooms are also used as natural remedies for teenage anxiety.
Garlic
Although not technically an herb, garlic has strong immune boosting qualities such as regulating cytokine secretion and stimulating immune cells. It has been shown to prevent colds and reduce their severity. Although eating garlic is good, supplementing with it as well will give you a stronger immune boost.
Ginger
Ginger is another superfood for cold & flu that is known for its antiviral abilities. Along with fighting off viruses, this plant helps fight off bacteria. Supplements tend to provide a stronger dose than from food alone.
Boost Your Immune System
Getting and remaining healthy should be a top priority. You can boost your immune system by exercising, getting adequate sleep, eating the right foods and supplementing with herbs that have been shown to have strong immune boosting components.
